Decomposition of Human Body Notes This ppt contains

Decomposition of Human Body Notes This ppt contains graphic images. I put pictures on slides that do not contain information so feel free to avert your eyes. Information is also graphic and can be disturbing.

5 stages of decomposition • Initial decay • Putrefaction • Black putrefaction • Butyric fermentation • Dry decay

Initial Decay • 0 -3 days after death • Bacteria in digestive tract start eating intestines, break through and begin feeding on surrounding organs • Individual cells break down, releasing cell contents and enzymes into body

Putrefaction • 4 -10 days after death • Body will be bloated from build-up of gases in body • Gases released by bacteria living in intestines • Skin blisters • Build-up of fluids from ruptured cells and intestines • Skin begins slipping

Putrefaction

Black Putrefaction • 10 -20 days after death • Body begins to collapse and black surfaces are exposed • Bloated body collapses and leaves a flattened body • Large volume of body fluids drain from body

Black Putrefaction

Butyric Fermentation • 20 -50 days • Remaining flesh on body is removed and body dries out • Cheesy smell (caused by butyric acid) • Surface of body in contact with ground may mold as body ferments

Butyric Fermentation

Dry decay • 50 -365 days after death • Body is dry and continues to decay very slowly because of lack of moisture • Mostly reduced to hair and bones • Eventually the hair will disappear

Dry decay

Picture of lividity

Questions • Answer on page 80 • What factors do you think would speed up/slow down the rate of decomposition? • How does the state of decomposition assist scientists in determining time of death?